"The annual Devoted and Disgruntled open space will be on the last weekend in January. I don't know the details yet, but keep the dates free; it's the most energizing event in the theatre calendar."

Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

Five years ago I sent out the first invitation to “Devoted & Disgruntled”. I’d become aware that, passionate as I was about theatre, I found myself frustrated at how we make it, how we communicate with each other and how little the existing structures supported us to feel part of a genuine community. Since that first invitation to others who were devoted and disgruntled, this has become an extraordinary annual event.

From each of the previous four D&Ds have come an amazing number of projects and initiatives. Some of them very tangible, others, equally important, are more subtle and tangential. Whatever they are, from new theatre companies to individual projects, from pressure groups to artist’s salons, D&D has helped bring them to fruition. Perhaps most importantly for me has been the gradual and growing sense of community. I have to say I was astonished by the number of people who turned out for the first D&D event and I’m incredibly excited that here we are – in our fifth year!

So if there are things you are passionate about or things you are pissed off about, projects or proposals you need support on, or if you want to connect with your community, all are possible because in Open Space you set the agenda. Nothing is off limits.

If you feel like this event might not be for you then that is a sure sign we need your input! If you feel that the issues that affect you or your sector never get discussed so what’s the point of turning up? This is the event for you.

On past experiences of D&D, the more diverse our group, the more creative and exciting the work has been. All sectors and genres; Fringe, West End, Off West End, London based, regional etc etc are invited. If you’ve never been to D&D we need your voice, if you’ve been to every D&D we need your voice. Whatever your connection to theatre; on stage, back stage, off stage, in the audience, you are invited.

In it’s fifth year we still don’t know where D&D is headed – and I think this uncertainty is exciting and I am passionate about opening the space again. I’m excited by the opportunity D&D5 gives me and you to reconnect with UK theatre and the wider arts community. To continue building on the work we have begun and generate new initiatives. And to reconnect without cynicism and lethargy but rather with renewed energy.

I hope to see you at this, our fifth D&D.

Phelim

Phelim McDermott

Co-Artistic Director, Improbable

Please distribute this invite and the information below to practitioners, colleagues and anyone else who you think might be interested.

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A discussion about how to create a genuinely safe and open atmosphere in improv classes from the first class someone takes.
How do we protect students from potentially harmful experiences which can arise from the rigidity or literal interpretation of 'Yes, and' ?

These are notes taken as Guy Hartnell shared about the Oogly Boogly project, where performers improvised with babies by copying their movements and sounds, while the babies' parents watched. It took place inside a large inflatable venue. The notes were taken by Catherine Ryan.

This was an experimental workshop combining the work of Frank Torino and Richard Coaten who met on the pavement on the way to Day 4. I discovered Frank had an interest in mental health and in improv work with theatre students in Denmark, mine was in how carers of people living with dementia might benefit from having access to improvisation and its role in maintaining their resilience, quality of life and relationship with their loved ones...meta theme - great link made between Franks' You Be Me'

Part of the Fringe Central Programme for Fringe participants. Artist, technician, venue staff or audience member – you’ll know the pains as well as the joys of the Fringe. This is your chance to help make the Fringe work better for the very people who give it reason. You. Bring your own questions and ideas – you set the agenda and nothing is censored. An open space – come for as much or as little as you want.

Part of the Fringe Central Programme for Fringe participants. Artist, technician, venue staff or audience member – you’ll know the pains as well as the joys of the Fringe. This is your chance to help make the Fringe work better for the very people who give it reason. You. Bring your own questions and ideas – you set the agenda and nothing is censored. An open space – come for as much or as little as you want.

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